Photofunctionalization of Dental Implants – A Literature Review

Dental implant therapy is a widely utilized procedure for replacing missing teeth, with success heavily dependent on the effective integration of the implant into the bone. Photofunctionalization (PhF) represents a significant advancement in dental implant technology that aims to enhance osseointegr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: R. Yamuna, M. S. Keerthivasan, Muthusammy Narasimman, B. Tamizhesai, C. J. Venkatakrishnan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-04-01
Series:Indian Journal of Dental Sciences
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/ijds.ijds_8_25
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Summary:Dental implant therapy is a widely utilized procedure for replacing missing teeth, with success heavily dependent on the effective integration of the implant into the bone. Photofunctionalization (PhF) represents a significant advancement in dental implant technology that aims to enhance osseointegration by modifying the titanium surfaces of implants through ultraviolet light treatment for 12 min which converts titanium surfaces from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic and removes organic contaminants. This process improves the physicochemical properties of the implant surface, such as wettability, and removes organic contaminants such as hydrocarbons, which are critical for effective bone integration. The primary objective of PhF is to improve the osseointegration of dental implants by optimizing the biological interactions between implant surfaces and surrounding tissues. Enhanced surface properties lead to better cellular migration, attachment, and proliferation, thereby facilitating better osseointegration and effective coronal soft tissue seal. PhF can reduce the risk of implant failure and improve clinical outcomes by accelerating the healing process without lowering the success rate. Despite these benefits, PhF has limitations, particularly in challenging practical and effective use in clinical practice. The current evidence suggests that PhF can improve outcomes in standard cases, and further research is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness in more complex scenarios and focus on other fields outside of standard dental applications.
ISSN:0976-4003
2231-2293